Any business with a physical location needs an effective business security camera system. To make sure staff, clients, and valuable assets are protected from physical threats, security teams need a clear view of the property, meaning high-quality cameras should be prioritized.
For startups, however, funding high-tech business security camera systems isn’t always an easy task. With money required for product development, advertising, client acquisition, and future scaling operations, sometimes factors like physical security are left on the back burner.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case. By learning which features to look for and what styles of devices to prioritize, startups can develop effective, intelligent, and scalable business security camera systems to suit most budgets. To learn how to achieve this, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to business security cameras for startups and small businesses.
Components of a business security camera system
For startups to build an appropriate commercial CCTV camera system, it’s important to learn which components will be needed and what they’ll be used for. To ensure that staff, valuable assets and properties are reasonably protected, the following components will be necessary.
- Video security cameras
- Video recorders
- Monitoring equipment
How do video security systems work?
Video security cameras are stationed in key locations such as entrances, hallways, and other high-security or high-traffic areas. These devices are connected to video recording units via coaxial cables, Ethernet cables, or a secure wireless network connection. Recorded footage can then be viewed on monitoring equipment and stored in external data storage devices.
This is the first important consideration to make. Hardwired security cameras are designed to receive power via a physical cable, meaning a security integrator will be required to fit cabling throughout the property or adapt existing cabling infrastructure to suit new hardware.
This is a simple overview of how business security camera systems work, but depending on the components used in the system, installations can function in different ways. Startups will need to assess their unique security needs, comparing these requirements with available budgets to develop appropriate systems. Below are some key factors worth considering.
Wireless vs. hardwired security cameras
This means the installation of new hardwired security cameras can be quite expensive. But in return, startups gain a reliable business security camera system with great video quality.
Pros:
- Reliable image quality
- Less chance of signals dropping
- Impervious to wireless hacking
Cons:
- Can’t be moved once installed
- Expensive and time-consuming to install
- The number of cameras is limited by physical inputs
Comparatively, wireless business security cameras send and receive data via a secure Wi-Fi connection, meaning startups can avoid the costs associated with new cabling infrastructure. Additionally, wireless cameras can be easily linked with other wireless security devices and freely moved between properties, meaning they’re fully scalable in line with company growth.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Flexible and scalable
- Easily integrated with other systems
Cons:
- Quality dependent on Wi-Fi signals
- Can be hacked if not protected
- Walls/doors etc can block signals
Camera type and monitoring considerations
Next, startups will need to decide which types of cameras to install in key locations and how best to monitor video security footage. In terms of camera types, businesses have two main options to choose from: dome security cameras and bullet security cameras.
Dome business security cameras
Dome security cameras have a wide field of view designed to monitor open spaces such as shop floors, warehouses, and office spaces. Typically, these cameras will come with options to adjust the viewfinder remotely, enabling security staff to scan areas in response to threats.
Bullet business security cameras
Bullet security cameras are designed to capture clear footage at long range, meaning they’re best used to protect perimeter locations, hallways, and parking lots. Most modern models will come with remote access features, meaning teams can zoom in on images while monitoring.
Monitoring considerations
To build an effective surveillance system, startups should deploy a combination of both bullet and dome security cameras. Dome models should be used to cover wider spaces, and bullet units should cover long distances. In addition, teams will need to consider how camera feeds are to be monitored, including whether remote monitoring capabilities will be required.
Startups may wish to choose Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, as these devices are designed to send and receive live footage via a secure internet connection. This means security teams can view feeds remotely from any verified smart device, as well as set up instant alerts used to warn staff of suspicious activity. Both dome and bullet models can support IP connectivity.
While remote monitoring is optional, a physical monitoring station is a requirement. Startups will need to purchase and install a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) used to store recorded footage and a display screen to view feeds on-site.
NVR vs DVR video security systems
NVRs and DVRs both fulfill a similar purpose, though they achieve this in different ways. If IP cameras are used, startups will need to install an NVR unit, as these systems are designed to manage footage that’s been pre-processed by IP cameras. As NVRs do not need to process video files natively, they can be wirelessly connected to cameras and monitoring equipment.
Comparatively, DVRs are required if analog cameras are installed. DVRs are designed to both process and store raw video footage, though cameras must be physically connected to these devices via coaxial cables. This means the number of security cameras in a DVR installation will be limited by the amount of available inputs on the back of the recording unit.
Video analytics software integrations
Startups may also wish to consider developing smart software integrations to improve the operation of business security camera systems. AI-powered software can be integrated into modern business security cameras, enabling teams to create automated incident responses.
For example, if IP cameras are in operation, AI video analytics software can be programmed to autonomously detect suspicious activities such as crowds forming in unusual locations or unknown vehicles entering private parking lots. Once detected, security staff can be notified remotely via secure smart devices, enabling teams to plan an appropriate incident response.
Maintenance and update requirements
Finally, startups will need to consider how newly installed business security cameras are going to be maintained and updated over time. The main factors that will affect this will be whether chosen cameras are analog or IP devices and what kind of software they use.
Analogue camera maintenance
To update and maintain analog cameras, startups will need to hire a professional who’s able to physically access both installed cameras and the DVR they’re connected to. Updates will be applied manually, and technicians will test the system to ensure it’s working properly.
This can be a costly and time-consuming process. However, analog systems don’t need to be serviced too often, and don’t require battery changes as they’re mains-powered systems.
IP security camera maintenance
IP security cameras typically require more frequent updates, mainly as their wireless nature can leave them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This means the operating software will need to be regularly scanned and updated to protect against newly found hacks and cyber threats.
Batteries will also need to be regularly replaced in wireless IP cameras. However, software updates and most maintenance services can be performed automatically over the Internet.
Summary
All startups operating out of a physical location must be protected using business security cameras, but choosing an effective system will require some planning. In most cases, it can be cost-effective to choose wireless IP cameras and NVR units, as they’re simple to install, scale, and maintain. However startups should consider the details in this guide before choosing an ideal business security camera system.
